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Autumnal Equinox

Rufous-sided Towhee

Today is the first day official day of Autumn although here on the 42nd parallel we won't actually have equal amounts of sunlight and darkness until September 25th. The leaves are starting to turn colors and the Fall warbler migration has begun.

Rufous-sided Towhee, female

Carolina Wren looking a little worse for wear because of the Fall molt.

Eastern Bluebirds

I haven't really talked about photographic techniques here and have always meant to. I wanted to say something about photographing animals. Rule one is do nothing that harms the animal or causes it distress. I always approach an area where I know I will be taking photos as an honored guest entering someone else's house: mind your manners and know when to leave. Rule two is study and observe. Learn as much about the biology and behavior of those living creatures that you are trying to photograph because that may save your life. Animals give subtle signs as to how they are feeling, learn to recognize those, especially with animals like moose or bear and other predators. Make friends with biologists and other experts working in the areas you most frequent or who work with the animals or habitats you are most interested in.

I've been posting a lot of macro shots of dragonflies. One thing I learned by observing dragonflies is that they tend to have favorite sticks, blades of grass, rocks or branches they like to land on. Even if they fly up and zoom around when you first approach, if you wait a bit they will return to that favorite roost. Thus the fourth rule is patience.

Gray Catbird

Eastern Pheobe

Miles Standish State Park

Mute Swan in the morning mist

Gray Comma. This is the first time I've ever seen this butterfly. Marshfield, MA

Autumnal Equinox

Rufous-sided Towhee

Today is the first day official day of Autumn although here on the 42nd parallel we won't actually have equal amounts of sunlight and darkness until September 25th. The leaves are starting to turn colors and the Fall warbler migration has begun.

Rufous-sided Towhee, female

Carolina Wren looking a little worse for wear because of the Fall molt.

Eastern Bluebirds

I haven't really talked about photographic techniques here and have always meant to. I wanted to say something about photographing animals. Rule one is do nothing that harms the animal or causes it distress. I always approach an area where I know I will be taking photos as an honored guest entering someone else's house: mind your manners and know when to leave. Rule two is study and observe. Learn as much about the biology and behavior of those living creatures that you are trying to photograph because that may save your life. Animals give subtle signs as to how they are feeling, learn to recognize those, especially with animals like moose or bear and other predators. Make friends with biologists and other experts working in the areas you most frequent or who work with the animals or habitats you are most interested in.

I've been posting a lot of macro shots of dragonflies. One thing I learned by observing dragonflies is that they tend to have favorite sticks, blades of grass, rocks or branches they like to land on. Even if they fly up and zoom around when you first approach, if you wait a bit they will return to that favorite roost. Thus the fourth rule is patience.

Gray Catbird

Eastern Pheobe

Miles Standish State Park

Mute Swan in the morning mist

Gray Comma. This is the first time I've ever seen this butterfly. Marshfield, MA